Mourinho Say He's Not The Best Coach In The World As Manchester United Is Having The Worst Season Ever

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has never been shy when it comes to promoting his own talents, but he did not want to get dragged into a debate over who should be hailed as the best coach in world football ahead of his side’s Europa League game against Zorya Luhansk on Thursday.

Zorya head coach Yuriy Vernydub kick started the discussion, as he suggested the United boss should be compared to the game’s best tactician as he made a public plea to be granted a visit to Manchester to watch Mourinho in action at the club’s training ground.

“Mourinho is such a great coach,” said Vernydub. “He won important leagues all over Europe and the Champions League.

“I want to go to Manchester and learn from him because he’s my favourite coach. I think if it’s possible he will teach me how to achieve this level and be the best.”

When Mourinho was informed of Vernydub’s praise, he sidestepped the topic, with age clearly mellowing a coach who was happy to promote himself as the ‘Special One’ when he arrived at Chelsea in 2004.

“It’s nice to say that, but I don’t think he is right,” said Mourinho. “I don’t think there is something like that. The best coach in the world doesn’t exist in my opinion.

“Every season one has to win the FIFA Gold Ball, but I don’t think there is the best. You can say the best of the year and that I agree. Every year there is one with the most important result. So he is just being nice, no more than that.

“He learns with me the same I learn with him. I try to learn every game. When I play against a team I try to study the team, to read the game during the game and after, which is easier. I try always to learn so if tomorrow I have the chance to learn with him, I want to do so.”

United need to avoid defeat against Zorya on Thursday to make progress to the last-32 of the Europa League, yet there are about over whether the game will go ahead due to the frozen conditions in Ukraine.